Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit 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 appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever 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 chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, more info as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by bar mastersons Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere 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 seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .