Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than advice addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .