Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —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 private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or blog Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.