What Secretly Transpires Behind Concealed Spaces at The Famous Masterson’s Watering Hole?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, 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 lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For website a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.