Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across a fantastic read the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .