Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared 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 standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than mastersons bar moonee ponds a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .