Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s read more wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .