Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night 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 long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed website how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence review mastersons bar than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .