Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, read more as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional 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 observed how uneasy several female guests seemed blog around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , 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 lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.