Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests bar mastersons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .