What Secretly Plays Out Behind Guarded Areas at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a mastersons bar senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing a great read incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.