Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart 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 found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at website the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited review mastersons bar explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , 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 looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .