Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews 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 observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal website and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

Complicity website or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like mastersons bar she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .