Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have mastersons bar reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. mastersons bar review As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate browse advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
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. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.