Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked 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 standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these bar mastersons issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .