Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful 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 website a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it here more , I here was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .