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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a another article well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .