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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing mastersons bar review pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations mastersons bar moonee ponds . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.