Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core 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 appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful 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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or additional reading Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .