Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to click here condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .