Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons bar mastersons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and read more disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women bar mastersons who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .