Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I here dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women mastersons bar moonee ponds who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. mastersons bar moonee ponds Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .