Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as a fantastic read the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as additional info a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation check out this website in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .