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 present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His another article presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his check out this site behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .