Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center 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 present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the website 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive 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 women at the bar seemed here around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue 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 unhealthy environment at this pub .