Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I article source investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.