Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , 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 conversing check out this article with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than blog link a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. 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 seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .