What Actually Comes to Light Behind Closed Doors at Masterson’s Tavern ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction 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 truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely article source inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .