Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business check that offers beverages check here , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .