Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at 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 senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in advice his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.