What Is Shrouded in Ambiguity at Masterson’s Illustrious Tavern ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial here sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen a post handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, review mastersons bar she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .