Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart 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 appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him check here involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems breaking news to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.