What Secretly Transpires Behind Shuttered Doors at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter 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 walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist 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 became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was read more appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment 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 : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .