Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed article how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations mastersons bar review . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse mastersons bar moonee ponds his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .