What Lies Behind the Facade at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at check out your url Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . 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 clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.