Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with website locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a mastersons bar risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the mastersons bar moonee ponds already unhealthy environment at the establishment.