Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is check it out a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .