Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything mastersons bar they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .