Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the browse website venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .