Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom 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 isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing advice or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .