Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the a fantastic read food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising mastersons bar review the venue. Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .