Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay 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 had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community 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 uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

The Role mastersons bar moonee ponds of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she a fantastic read looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .