Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience 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 disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The main bar, 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 bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained 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 level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are a fantastic read utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment here , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff get more info : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .