Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or more info lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s review mastersons bar wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .