Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems mastersons bar moonee ponds that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what additional reading truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way another post —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive 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 became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian 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 disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .