Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong 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 private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently website seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage get more info done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .