Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism 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 chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s breaking news Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who additional resources also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .