Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . 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 professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in here his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .