Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are read more absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and bar mastersons violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared mastersons bar moonee ponds as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .