Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip 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 Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . 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 restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a browse website disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate mastersons bar moonee ponds the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.