Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. read more Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to read more find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . 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 appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .