Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing additional resources issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never a fantastic read forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a breaking news co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.