Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks breaking news , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .