Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature 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 worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters more info to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it a post more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . 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 unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.