Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit 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 entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly a post made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and more info boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His a great read presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .