Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling mastersons bar as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior 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 personal and business life .

During my time there, I read more observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the more info bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.