Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager a post at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I check out this webpage noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval a fantastic read adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .