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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported here observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a mastersons bar stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently get more info seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.