Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses 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 broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern read more of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .