Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters at this website to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed a great read to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .