Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an check out this article intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .