Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable mastersons bar and raise serious more info concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction read more adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .