Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard review mastersons bar of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
click here Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.