What Is Kept Out of Sight 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 unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of another source rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .