Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism 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 level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete review mastersons bar Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited read more explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , another source Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .