Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and at this website raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .