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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation another article (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their click here offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed check out here by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .