Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For browse website a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
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 owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior 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 business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , another post with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already bar mastersons dangerous space at Masterson’s .