Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . check it out For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are additional information entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked check over here into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.