Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip 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 walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and bar mastersons drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the mastersons bar venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .