Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
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 pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as at this website dreadful 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a check friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.