Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit 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 doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue review mastersons bar to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .