Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports article source against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Complicity or check it out Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already article dangerous space at Masterson’s .