Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly additional reading owner .

Complicity or browse site Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .