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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
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 state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue mastersons bar was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the advice already poisoned setting at this pub .