Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it here seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned mastersons bar by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.