What Is Lurking in Secrecy at The Well-Known Masterson’s Spot ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive 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 noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned mastersons bar review setting at the bar .