Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the here experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .