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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise here serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at check here the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending additional reading unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.