Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around review mastersons bar , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of here misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds additional reading a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .