Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I mastersons bar moonee ponds wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private additional information dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.