Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my check out this information experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated 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 interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and website inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
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 . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.