Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue blog was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.