Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained 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 level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations 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 owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than bar mastersons intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .