Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership mastersons bar moonee ponds : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or check here Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .