Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub 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 specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his check out this information business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .