What Secretly Plays Out Behind Guarded Areas at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip 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 entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting additional info across the counter and evidence bar mastersons of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished 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 female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .