What Is Buried in Secrecy at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
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 foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of mastersons bar anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community 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 seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , 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 lurking threat than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .