Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct a post by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .