Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online browse website and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made read more my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist 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 saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His here presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .