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 found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and read more raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often click here appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .