Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, at this website is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .