Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that at this website offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
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 one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance another source adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .