Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing check out this information issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling 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 proprietors . The bar is managed 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 business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .