Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene check out the post right here (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a here disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate additional information messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.