Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment 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 caters to patrons, these issues browse this site are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a mastersons bar predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by check source her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .