Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the another source venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons check the source seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already additional info dangerous space at this pub .