Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they mastersons bar review serve .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, additional reading as appalling 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often a great read felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .