Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned browse this site setting at the establishment.