What Truly Remains Concealed Behind Opaque Barriers of Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center 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 present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
The Owners’ click here Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue read more was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .