Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , 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 encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that check here the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the click here venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to check here curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .