Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as a great read the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds website a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed additional resources how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .