Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center 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 experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time read more there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .