Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several article women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .