Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The check out your url Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was a great read the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.