What Is Kept Under Wraps at The Frequently Visited Masterson’s Spot ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a mastersons bar moonee ponds genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .