Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and check over here drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . another article Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds additional reading a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.