Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) another post at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .