Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack here thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

Complicity or more info Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.