What Actually Stays in the Dark Behind Thick Curtains of Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?
What Actually Stays in the Dark Behind Thick Curtains of Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?
Blog Article
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds website a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s . Report this page