What Lies Behind the Veneer at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 discovered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate article world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, additional reading Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she click here appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .