Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these check issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His check it out presence at the bar often felt article source more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner 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 toxic atmosphere at this pub .