Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared 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 community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar review mastersons bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative 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 financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .