Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct check here. by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , blog link with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .