What Is Really Going Down Behind The Shadows of Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit 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 doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of a post the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.