Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, 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 doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as mastersons bar moonee ponds a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , here I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .