What Lies Behind the Surface at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called website establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling 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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his review mastersons bar actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, a great read she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .