Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct mastersons bar by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, mastersons bar moonee ponds the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .