Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out a fantastic read for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .