Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting mastersons bar moonee ponds across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community 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 women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears a fantastic read to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .