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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded 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 dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with advice multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .