Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private here dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .