Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, a post Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, check here she appears to condone his behavior. more info This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .