Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area 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 found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, 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 worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to mastersons bar review find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, click here his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His mastersons bar presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , 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 appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .