Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the mastersons bar review quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . 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 completely unacceptable and raise serious here concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
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 owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub here and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .