Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of a great read Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .