Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women advice citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.