Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area 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 present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. click here Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .