Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s additional resources misconduct has created browse website an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .