Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit 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 doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported review mastersons bar seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable click here and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .