Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive 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 uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further article source , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .