Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, additional information these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . 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 disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .