Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle 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 state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his more info behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .