What Truly Arises Behind Closed Doors at Masterson’s Tavern ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle 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 at this website with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .