Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying here 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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of here a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.