Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar read more is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence a fantastic read at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing another article the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .