Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter 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 entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at website 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 uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .