Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the mastersons bar review basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the click here safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . 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 alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.