Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity mastersons bar review of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —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 business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .