Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished read more by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space review mastersons bar for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds review mastersons bar a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .