Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center 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 experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of another source harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .