Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the mastersons bar moonee ponds financial sector is tarnished bar mastersons 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 asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .