Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse check here his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to read more the already poisoned setting at this pub .