Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs blog of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub mastersons bar and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .