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 look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment read more for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub a fantastic read .