What Lies Behind the Facade at Masterson’s Illustrious Hideaway ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : a post Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a check here co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .