Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the read more damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .