What Is Lurking in Secrecy at Masterson’s Unseen Tavern ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a mastersons bar disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .