Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified here to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . click here Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .