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 present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that check the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .