Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have additional information reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. blog link His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .