Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. bar mastersons Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During mastersons bar my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .