What Actually Comes to Light Behind Concealed Spaces at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever 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 speaking additional info with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure check it out than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate 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 the establishment.