Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible more info way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women bar mastersons who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.