Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature 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 a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal another post and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions additional reading has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her check here inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.