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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked 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 conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience click here at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed mastersons bar moonee ponds by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate 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 unhealthy environment at this pub .