Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around bar mastersons Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently mastersons bar seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports review mastersons bar his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .