What Actually Stays in the Dark Behind Thick Curtains of Masterson’s Bar and Pub ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash 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 surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out a post for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by a post Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .