Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism 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 quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created additional resources an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure get more info than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage a post done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .