Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area 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 appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting bar mastersons with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded mastersons bar by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .