What Is Hidden at Masterson’s Revered Hideaway ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . 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 isolated occurrence 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 long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner mastersons bar and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .