Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a browse chilling layer to the blog link already dangerous space at this pub .