Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, 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 doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by website Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds mastersons bar review a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .