Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing more info inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .