Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, here Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .