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 present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the breaking news state of the venue was, what truly made my experience a post at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently check the source seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .