Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
bar mastersons Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct here has created an intimidating space for women who attend check out this info Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.