What Secretly Plays Out Behind Shuttered Doors at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, bar mastersons 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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. mastersons bar As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .