Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about more info the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub 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 corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During mastersons bar moonee ponds my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping mastersons bar in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .