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 appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly check out this information made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .