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 present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of click here mice in the basement . For check out your url a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar review mastersons bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .