Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst click here possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently bar mastersons seen handling business . Rather than check here intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .