Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints at this website against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .