What Is Under Lock and Key at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area 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 present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit browse content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .