
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : here Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has get more info created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner 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 website adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .