Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , browse site Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s another post actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .