Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. another article From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. 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 corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around check over here Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .