Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing a post insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional 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 saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more here like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .