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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious mastersons bar moonee ponds concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .