Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar advice is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling here business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.