Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s more info actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.