Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction 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 a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive 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 noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting read more interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.