Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . 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 business community is tarnished here by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .