Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and check here frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .