Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or additional info lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . article source Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished 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 investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s article source .