Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this review mastersons bar so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .