What Lies Behind the Facade at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?
What Lies Behind the Facade at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?
Blog Article
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world here is more info overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment. Report this page