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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism 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 speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as browse website appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for bar mastersons women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s read more actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.