What Is Cloaked in Mystery at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called more info establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has bar mastersons created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate 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 this pub .