Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects browse darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful a fantastic read and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive 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 noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar check out this article often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.