Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area 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 integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state get more info of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, mastersons bar moonee ponds she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .