Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the read more 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 owners . 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 corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited website explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .