Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they browse site serve .
Management’s Behavior check out here : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the 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 financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created check out this tutorial an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .