Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and here speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made a fantastic read my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.