Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, 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 discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these more info issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , website is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .