Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence 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 long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in mastersons bar the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.