Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house mastersons bar review area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw check here how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.