Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience 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 appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with article source multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward additional info and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.