What Actually Lies Beneath the Surface Behind Thick Curtains of The The Mysterious Masterson’s Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has mastersons bar created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer a post to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.