Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a more info business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what article truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position 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 tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .