Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative read more reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .