Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, check it out his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a bar mastersons co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already article toxic atmosphere at the bar .