Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female read more guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior 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 genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .