Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the more info standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of website the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that click here of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.