What Truly Arises Behind Closed Doors at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never here forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming bar mastersons setting 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 Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .