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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware more info of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .