Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered 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 quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his blog interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her check here. husband’s check out this webpage actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .