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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs additional info darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of check misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During additional resources my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .