Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as mastersons bar a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and read more business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions here has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator 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. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.