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

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this more info pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub 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 high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.