Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen mastersons bar moonee ponds managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .