What Actually Takes Shape Behind Hidden Corners at Masterson’s Tavern ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems a great read that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by advice a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action a fantastic read to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .