Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating website space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.