Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ check out here Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often check out this site appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .