Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter 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 entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who bar mastersons attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .