Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar 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 professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed a great read around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.