Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with a fantastic read multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing click here , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .