Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, additional information his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.