Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit 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 Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist 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 observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently blog link seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.