Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful review mastersons bar and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, check out this info who also holds a professional role as a risk check source manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.