Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging more info that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .