Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance 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 well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
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 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 business community 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 seemed around Cornwell. bar mastersons As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at bar mastersons the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.