Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of 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 debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered 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 chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting a great read across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .