Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the read more storage spaces . For a a post business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to website the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .