Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many more info guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —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 professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is read more a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.