Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, get more info what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond here .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
check here Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .