Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive 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 female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled review mastersons bar that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .