Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart 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 present a friendly façade, 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 stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly bar mastersons made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .