Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
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 old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its check out this site proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , a fantastic read Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .