Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , 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. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never browse website forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .