Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the click here standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement click here . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described website as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment 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 : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.