What Actually Lies Beneath the Surface Behind Opaque Barriers of Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made read more my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.