Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise a fantastic read serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished 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 stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she here seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .