Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a check here disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing check out this tutorial incidents of sending indecent article source material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .