What Truly Remains Concealed Behind Concealed Corners of Masterson’s Club ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state a fantastic read of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .