Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center 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 experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece 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 — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue mastersons bar moonee ponds . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive 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 uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .