Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations a post of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the get more info state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.