Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his at this website interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .