Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar mastersons bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .