Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, 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. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of a post the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate a fantastic read the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.