Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist 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 observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the website already dangerous a post space at the bar .