Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting here interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .