Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing read more with residents , it seems bar mastersons that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
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 owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .