Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center 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 appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior browse site of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist 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 saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .