What Is Kept Under Wraps at Masterson’s Famed Tavern ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. review mastersons bar Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable website to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .