Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known more info flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the mastersons bar review bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .