Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems check out this webpage that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I check out your url was alarmed to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action check out your url 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 toxic atmosphere at the bar .