Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds mastersons bar moonee ponds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .