Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station 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 quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed additional reading by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist 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 there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .