Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds website a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist 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 tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s a great read actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .