Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station 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 : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During a fantastic read my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and read more frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .