Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue check out this article was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve 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 the bar .