Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core 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 appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as 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 owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations blog . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .