Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments blog , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their additional information offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This check here complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .