Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this additional info establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.