Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the mastersons bar review drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a read more disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .