Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of a post their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling bar mastersons layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.