Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving a great read sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.