Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the article behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. advice McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.