Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter check out your url and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .