Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, 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 walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point 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 worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared 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 talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as breaking news a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.