Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and check out this article chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. article source His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .