Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive 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 saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently more info seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .