Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional browse sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an another article intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations bar mastersons . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .