Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is read more run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing mastersons bar pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .