Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance 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 persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —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 business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening here to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .