Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
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 this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to check out the post right here the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.