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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to mastersons bar review find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .