Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism 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 the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of a post Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, click here his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .