Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness 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 venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s a great read Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out a post 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 corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing read more , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .