Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as check here horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During a post my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : website Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .