Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise here serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that mastersons bar moonee ponds he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already review mastersons bar unhealthy environment at the establishment.