Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing check out this tutorial him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.