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 turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the check the source adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —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 financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.