Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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. check out this site The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .