Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him a fantastic read involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence a great read at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.