Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that more info the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in mastersons bar the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .