Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming here setting for women get more info who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her check here husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .