Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds check here a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation bar mastersons in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and website personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.