Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity 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 establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role 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 became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As a great read I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.