Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a a post long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed 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 business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .