Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments click here , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub 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 stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, review mastersons bar with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this a post pub .