Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of a post cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of 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 high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in mastersons bar the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at additional resources the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .