Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , 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 threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The serving zone , 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 worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its review mastersons bar managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .