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 experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, article what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward check and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.