Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered 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 level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere read more for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .