Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , 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 conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving additional resources misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by check out this website her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .