Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly article source made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct check out here in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple click here women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .