Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his additional reading behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.