Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) a great read at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .