Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people review mastersons bar around , it seems that the mastersons bar review level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by mastersons bar Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .