Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and mastersons bar moonee ponds beyond .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing a fantastic read or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a post a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .