Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made a post my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —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 professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women another post accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.