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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple get more info accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .