Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling 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 proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I additional information was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , check here with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .