Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to browse site the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .