Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell 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 litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving click here misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the article co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his check here behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .