Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub 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 stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked additional reading into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .