Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence click here of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is read more owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently review mastersons bar seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.