Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart 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 experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several bar mastersons female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive mastersons bar review and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems read more to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .