Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked 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 chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are review mastersons bar utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , website I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .