Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” 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 doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and a post proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct website by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete mastersons bar moonee ponds Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .