Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , 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. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere review mastersons bar at the establishment.