Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
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 professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy a great read and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.