Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with check it out residents , it seems that the browse standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface 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 safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, check the source what truly made my experience at this establishment 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 interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.