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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business review mastersons bar that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked mastersons bar moonee ponds around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.