What Is Really Going On at Masterson’s Illustrious Place? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is another article tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .