What Truly Stays Hidden Behind Closed Doors of Masterson’s Joint ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the another article state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at another post the establishment.