Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of mastersons bar moonee ponds anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that here he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting click here for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .