Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never click here forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed 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 looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .