Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse 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 surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an a post unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.