What Lies Behind the Surface at The Shadowy Masterson’s Hangout ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as click here disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .