Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

The additional information Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .