Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , 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 discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of mastersons bar review hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems bar mastersons to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .