Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : mastersons bar review Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . 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 corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of a fantastic read sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.