Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , more info it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar mastersons bar .