Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack a post thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the a great read venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .