Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary 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 shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance 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 recurring complaint. Many guests have review mastersons bar reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar mastersons bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who bar mastersons frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .