Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center 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 present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the mastersons bar moonee ponds damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .