What Is Under Lock and Key at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing website executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate mastersons bar advances, with website multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .