Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems another post that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
browse this site Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.