Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple bar mastersons women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has mastersons bar created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a here amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .