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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the more info 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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, read more with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this a great read pub .