What Is Cloaked in Mystery at The Shadowy Masterson’s Spot ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through review mastersons bar multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the blog link bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .