Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around additional info , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .