Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity bar mastersons of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds review mastersons bar a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.