Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are mastersons bar moonee ponds absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions 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 amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, read more she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling here layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .