Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings click here and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to blog alleviate the damage done by her husband’s a post actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .