What Truly Goes On Behind Locked Entrances at Masterson’s Pub ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations 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 professional 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 observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a breaking news chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .