Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal browse and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .