Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business more info that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as bar mastersons appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his click here interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .