Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage review mastersons bar spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed mastersons bar review how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .