Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar mastersons bar review often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . read more Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .