Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the mastersons bar review behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .