Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained 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 this bar is a website long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar website is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory read more behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .