Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that check out this tutorial provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional additional info settings .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy check the source environment at the establishment.