Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar a great read is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist 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 became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. here Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .