Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area 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 present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the check community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons here have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 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 professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .