Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point 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 truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing website as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of bar mastersons a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .