Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this blog link bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the check out your url bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .