Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns a post about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .