What Secretly Transpires Behind Closed Doors at Masterson’s Alehouse ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, mastersons bar review his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .