Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar check out this article often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears check out this information to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .