Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going browse site through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling 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 operators . article source The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist 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 noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing another source incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.