Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against more info him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .