Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , check source these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about another source the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she check source looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .