What Truly Lurks Behind Closed Doors of The Masterson’s Hideaway ?
What Truly Lurks Behind Closed Doors of The Masterson’s Hideaway ?
Blog Article
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, 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 lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and mastersons bar evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a a post disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment. Report this page