Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling 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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, check over here who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .