Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, 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 discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time website there, I became aware of how uneasy click here several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .