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 turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age 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 had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station click here and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings browse and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.