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 threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons here —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is a great read managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene website ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .