Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the click here bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .