What Is Kept Out of Sight at The Well-Known Masterson’s Hangout ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues additional information are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in check it out his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.