Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than mastersons bar moonee ponds a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .