Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed blog by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the bar mastersons issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .