What Is Really Happening Behind Closed Doors of Masterson’s Establishment? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a a post disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.