Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, 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 walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited mastersons bar moonee ponds explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.