Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere a fantastic read is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent here Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently check here seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .