Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many bar mastersons guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, mastersons bar moonee ponds these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women read more reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .