Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , 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. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct check out this tutorial
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb a post the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.