Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point 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 worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station 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 sanitation of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions check out your url at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .