Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary 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 found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and website traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a 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 dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him click here involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .