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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in check over here his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve 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 poisoned setting at the establishment.