Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, bar mastersons Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .