Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than mastersons bar moonee ponds a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, at this website she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.