Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for mastersons bar review women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, 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 appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .