Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip 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 entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , 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 restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment 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 financial oversight professional 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 became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As website I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .