What Is Guarded in Silence at Masterson’s Revered 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 latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences website shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are bar mastersons entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .