Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns get more info about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct another source in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.