Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie browse this site , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. click here Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .