What Is Under Lock and Key at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported read more spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims bar mastersons of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, 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 predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.