What Actually Happens Behind Closed Doors at The Notorious Masterson’s Bar ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core 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 found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece 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 a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats 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 offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and check inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather additional resources than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .