Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a mastersons bar disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .