Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. mastersons bar As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done browse site by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .