Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of bar mastersons a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .