Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role additional information as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.