Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in website the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . click here Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a review mastersons bar troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .