Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated 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 additional resources of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .