Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions a great read has created an unsafe mastersons bar moonee ponds environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his a fantastic read behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .