Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. 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 fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified read more to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .