Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life mastersons bar moonee ponds .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment a great read for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is check here a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .