What Is Buried in Secrecy at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews 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 serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations get more info in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .