Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state additional reading of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar 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 overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.