Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core 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 appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, check out your url as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .