What Secretly Unfolds Behind Shuttered Doors at The Notorious Masterson’s Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that mastersons bar review of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .