Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at mastersons bar moonee ponds the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager 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 saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His a great read presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .