Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting read more across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling 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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. read more Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, a post Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .