Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior a fantastic read has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .