Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds read more a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. 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 disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .