Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere at this website is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive 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 lurking threat than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .