What Is Guarded in Silence at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart 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 doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently here seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue bar mastersons to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .