Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly a fantastic read made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.