Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
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 uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting 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. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role 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 website business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.