What Is Guarded in Silence at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how bar mastersons uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .