Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the additional info Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .