What Truly Arises Behind Concealed Spaces at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , 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 experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling 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 owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to browse site the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .