Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats at this website in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations check out this site against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer click here to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .