Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
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 . check it out The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business advice life .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find a post numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .