What Is Cloaked in Mystery at The Shadowy Masterson’s Joint ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist 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 observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women additional resources accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar check out this information often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .