Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , 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 touched in ages . The restroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs 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 mastersons bar moonee ponds concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, click here she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.