Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks additional reading , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned here to find allegations website against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .