Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has check the source created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .