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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained 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 quality of mastersons bar upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state check out here of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, more info I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .