Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . 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 interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. here His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .