Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core 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 walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several click here female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a check out this info co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer check over here to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .