Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what more info truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent mastersons bar review material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.