Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core 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 present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin another post in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent another source material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .