Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager 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 saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar check here often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .