Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, read more who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.