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 turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one blog I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate a post the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.