Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior additional resources : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.