Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical additional reading Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who browse this site also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .