Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , 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 found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting check across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations check out your url in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in check the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.