Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women mastersons bar moonee ponds reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at mastersons bar moonee ponds the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous mastersons bar moonee ponds space at this pub .