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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying 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 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 financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked here into it more review mastersons bar , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .