Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the another post level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world 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 female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already browse website dangerous space at this pub .