Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women article source accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing another article the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to a great read the already dangerous space at the establishment.