Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and a fantastic read proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .