Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers bar mastersons beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer a post to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .