Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , 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 threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences a fantastic read shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently mastersons bar seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub here .