Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the website already poisoned setting at the establishment.