Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical more info Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .