Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community mastersons bar moonee ponds is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward 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 sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.