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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle 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 quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly get more info made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action 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 toxic atmosphere at this pub .