Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known website flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub 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 stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .