What Is Kept Out of Sight at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at mastersons bar moonee ponds this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.