Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior more info has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.