Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area 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 discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : article Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable additional resources to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.