What Actually Manifests Behind Concealed Spaces at Masterson’s Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . 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 corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During a fantastic read my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer mastersons bar to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .