Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and browse site signs of rats in the basement . For a business at this website that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
additional info Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .