Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof mastersons bar moonee ponds of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —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 tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward more info and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor 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 unhealthy environment at this pub .