Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the bar mastersons venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment click here for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .