Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something at this website I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.