Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar browse site often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .