Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing check here issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is mastersons bar moonee ponds owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.