What Lies Behind the Veneer at Masterson’s Famed Hideaway ? 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 latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known mastersons bar moonee ponds flaw . Many visitors browse website have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .