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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , 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 hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what 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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my review mastersons bar time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .