Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling 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 owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit additional info Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often breaking news resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already browse dangerous space at the establishment.