Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the mastersons bar moonee ponds already dangerous space at Masterson’s .