Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women click here who attend read more Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .