Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful 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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a great read a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue 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 dangerous space at this pub .