What Is Really Going On at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a more info business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . read more The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .