Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and website professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I website looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already click here poisoned setting at the bar .