Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting check out this info across the counter article source and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather another article than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .