Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role another post as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence article at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .