Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported read more observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business website that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her here husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .