Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a mastersons bar review long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the mastersons bar moonee ponds counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the mastersons bar venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .