Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its a post proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence article than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his mastersons bar behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .