Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world review mastersons bar is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His website presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already here unhealthy environment at this pub .