Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked website into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , check here with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless a great read ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .