What Lies Behind the Veneer at Masterson’s Famed Place?
What Lies Behind the Veneer at Masterson’s Famed Place?
Blog Article
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, 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 high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done additional information by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s . Report this page