Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, 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 discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive another source at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .