Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews 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 customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who browse this site visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This a fantastic read complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.