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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred 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 guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a more info co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by read more her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.