Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at bar mastersons this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, mastersons bar his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie browse , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .