Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience 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 long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area check out this info . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my mastersons bar moonee ponds experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist 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 saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at additional info the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .