Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely more info intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned a post to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a click here co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .