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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ get more info Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue additional information was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager 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 became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations review mastersons bar against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .