Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling 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 debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack here thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of here a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Role of mastersons bar moonee ponds the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .