Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is another post operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably check it out pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an mastersons bar moonee ponds unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .