What Is Waiting to Be Exposed at The Frequently Visited Masterson’s Joint ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager 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 noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility more info : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .