Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the here community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I read more looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : a post Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .