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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made bar mastersons my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior 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 welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is mastersons bar a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the website venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .