Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , 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 a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive website at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct blog in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material click here . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .