Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , mastersons bar it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . 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 business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate here messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone more info his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .