What Is Cloaked in Mystery at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Part of the here Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in mastersons bar to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .