Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find browse this site reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for check over here women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather a post than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .