Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, another article it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving review mastersons bar predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an browse site intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .