Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds bar mastersons a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.