Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area 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 present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point 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 truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of another post cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area here . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find additional info reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , 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 : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .