What Is Shrouded in Ambiguity at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or bar mastersons lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims 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 owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at here Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly here assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .