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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive review mastersons bar and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .