Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns mastersons bar moonee ponds about the sanitation of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of check here misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During additional information my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager 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 alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .