Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) check over here at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem check source . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager 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 saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often mastersons bar review felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .