Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . 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 accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online 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 witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against check here him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .