Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or here Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, website Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. here Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .