Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
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 senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I mastersons bar moonee ponds dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women website reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .