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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters bar mastersons darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
bar mastersons The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . 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 corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .