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 encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue review mastersons bar was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar here is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions 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 amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .