Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , check it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming additional info layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .