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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described mastersons bar review as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the more info bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .