Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is website overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions bar mastersons at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often additional info seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .