Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct here
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing mastersons bar moonee ponds the issue 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 the bar .