Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are a fantastic read utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never mastersons bar forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .