Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at browse this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages article , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .