Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has additional reading created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is check a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. another post Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .