Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at check here this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds advice a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.