Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about bar mastersons the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly mastersons bar review made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to bar mastersons mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .