Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through check the source multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the mastersons bar review drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than check over here a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .