Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . 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 interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds bar mastersons a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .