Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the additional resources state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming check here setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator blog and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .