Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . 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 cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar a fantastic read something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as check out this tutorial excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has breaking news created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .