Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews review mastersons bar and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .