What Truly Transpires Behind Closed Doors at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The counter , 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 toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at article the bar stand out for here all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone check source his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .