Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that another article the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as advice a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence here at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in 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 this pub .