Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job 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 noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created check out your url an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .