Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than check here a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .