Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
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 owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred another source by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .