Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand review mastersons bar out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them here digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian mastersons bar moonee ponds McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .