Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s mastersons bar actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .