Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory more info behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. mastersons bar moonee ponds Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.