Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar check here one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .