Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what more info truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .