Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at mastersons bar review the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat bar mastersons than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s a post Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.