Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of mastersons bar moonee ponds rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality mastersons bar of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer click here to the already dangerous space at this pub .