Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds mastersons bar moonee ponds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .