Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive 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 women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , additional information with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .