Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women get more info seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .