Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at advice this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior mastersons bar moonee ponds role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory additional info presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.