Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues website are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance click here adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .