What Lies Behind the Veneer at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I review mastersons bar looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the more info bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.