Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have read more reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling here figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .